Saint-Denys-du-Saint-Sacrement Church
Discover this neoclassical treasure in the heart of the Marais, located at 68ter, rue de Turenne 75003 Paris.
When was Saint-Denys-du-Saint-Sacrement Church built?
The church was built between 1826 and 1835 by architect Étienne-Hippolyte Godde, who was also the architect of Notre-Dame-de-Bonne-Nouvelle, the Père-Lachaise chapel, and the Saint-Sulpice seminary.
Can you describe the church façade?
The church facade is very simple, with a central portico supported by four Ionic columns. Atop this portico is a triangular pediment decorated by sculptor Jean-Jacques Feuchère, illustrating the theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity.
What statues adorn the church entrance?
On either side of the entrance, two niches house the statues of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul, created by sculptor Jean-François Legendre-Héral in 1849.
Why was the church named Saint-Denys-du-Saint-Sacrement?
The church takes its name from the first bishop of Paris, Saint Denis (or Dionysius in Latin), and in memory of the Benedictine nuns of the Blessed Sacrament who settled in the area during the Catholic Counter-Reformation.
What is the historical origin of the church site?
In the 17th century, sumptuous hotels were built in the Marais district, including l'hôtel de Turenne. In 1684, the second monastery of the Benedictines of the Blessed Sacrament moved into this hotel. In 1826, Étienne-Hippolyte Godde was commissioned to build the present church on this site.
What are the church's architectural features?
The architecture of the church is neoclassical, typical of the early 19th century. There are similarities with the Saint-Pierre-du-Gros-Caillou church. The façade features a pediment and Ionic columns.
What artistic treasures does the church contain?
The church is home to some magnificent works of art, including a Pietà painted in 17 days by Eugène Delacroix in 1844. This work is considered a masterpiece of melancholy.
You can also admire Les Pèlerins d'Emmaüs, a waxwork by François-Édouard Picot, and a large trompe-l'œil grisaille by Alexandre-Denis Abel de Pujol.
Are there any organs in the church?
Yes, the church has two organs. The large organ on the west-facing gallery dates from 1839 and was built by Daublaine Callinet. It has been restored several times, notably by Cavaillé-Coll in 1866. A new altar designed by Marc Couturier was installed in the choir in 1995.
What role does the church play in parish life?
The church is home to one of the houses of the Séminaire de Paris, training future priests and playing an active role in the parish life of the community.
The Église Saint-Denys-du-Saint-Sacrement is a neoclassical treasure steeped in religious and artistic history, offering a glimpse into the rich Catholic tradition of 19th-century Paris. It continues to serve as a place of worship and contemplation in the heart of the City of Light.
L'église Saint-Denys-du-Saint-Sacrement in brief
The church was built between 1826 and 1835 by a very active architect, Godde, author of Notre-Dame-de-Bonne-Nouvelle, the Père-Lachaise chapel and the
Saint-Sulpice seminary. The façade is very simple, with a central peristyle of four Ionic columns topped by a triangular pediment, decorated by sculptor Feugères with an allegory of Faith, Hope and Charity.
Statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul are placed in niches on either side of the door. The heart is adorned with a grisaille by Pujol, and Delacroix painted a superb deposition of the Cross. The Daublaine-Callinet organ dates from 1839. It was restored first by Cavaille-Coll in 1866, then in 1969.
Back to the list of churches and synagogues in the Marais
Photo of church interior
Discover this neoclassical treasure in the heart of the Marais, located at 68ter, rue de Turenne 75003 Paris.
When was Saint-Denys-du-Saint-Sacrement Church built?
The church was built between 1826 and 1835 by architect Étienne-Hippolyte Godde, who was also the architect of Notre-Dame-de-Bonne-Nouvelle, the Père-Lachaise chapel, and the Saint-Sulpice seminary.
Can you describe the church façade?
The church facade is very simple, with a central portico supported by four Ionic columns. Atop this portico is a triangular pediment decorated by sculptor Jean-Jacques Feuchère, illustrating the theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity.
What statues adorn the church entrance?
On either side of the entrance, two niches house the statues of Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul, created by sculptor Jean-François Legendre-Héral in 1849.
Why was the church named Saint-Denys-du-Saint-Sacrement?
The church takes its name from the first bishop of Paris, Saint Denis (or Dionysius in Latin), and in memory of the Benedictine nuns of the Blessed Sacrament who settled in the area during the Catholic Counter-Reformation.
What is the historical origin of the church site?
In the 17th century, sumptuous hotels were built in the Marais district, including l'hôtel de Turenne. In 1684, the second monastery of the Benedictines of the Blessed Sacrament moved into this hotel. In 1826, Étienne-Hippolyte Godde was commissioned to build the present church on this site.
What are the church's architectural features?
The architecture of the church is neoclassical, typical of the early 19th century. There are similarities with the Saint-Pierre-du-Gros-Caillou church. The façade features a pediment and Ionic columns.
What artistic treasures does the church contain?
The church is home to some magnificent works of art, including a Pietà painted in 17 days by Eugène Delacroix in 1844. This work is considered a masterpiece of melancholy.
You can also admire Les Pèlerins d'Emmaüs, a waxwork by François-Édouard Picot, and a large trompe-l'œil grisaille by Alexandre-Denis Abel de Pujol.
Are there any organs in the church?
Yes, the church has two organs. The large organ on the west-facing gallery dates from 1839 and was built by Daublaine Callinet. It has been restored several times, notably by Cavaillé-Coll in 1866. A new altar designed by Marc Couturier was installed in the choir in 1995.
What role does the church play in parish life?
The church is home to one of the houses of the Séminaire de Paris, training future priests and playing an active role in the parish life of the community.
The Église Saint-Denys-du-Saint-Sacrement is a neoclassical treasure steeped in religious and artistic history, offering a glimpse into the rich Catholic tradition of 19th-century Paris. It continues to serve as a place of worship and contemplation in the heart of the City of Light.
Saint-Denys-du-Saint-Sacrement Church in brief
The church was built between 1826 and 1835 by a very active architect, Godde, author of Notre-Dame-de-Bonne-Nouvelle, the Père-Lachaise chapel and the
Saint-Sulpice seminary. The façade is very simple, with a central peristyle of four Ionic columns topped by a triangular pediment, decorated by sculptor Feugères with an allegory of Faith, Hope and Charity.
Statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul are placed in niches on either side of the door. The heart is adorned with a grisaille by Pujol, and Delacroix painted a superb deposition of the Cross. The Daublaine-Callinet organ dates from 1839. It was restored first by Cavaille-Coll in 1866, then in 1969.
Back to the list of Museums in the Marais
Photo of church interior